A charity started in the name of former kindergarten teacher Noelle Paquette and dedicated to supporting Sarnia's school children recently passed a financial milestone.

Noelle's Gift has raised more than $300,000 since it was founded in January of 2013.

“We are absolutely amazed. It brings tears to your eyes when you see the money coming in as quickly and as generously as it does,” said charity committee member Jackie Major-Daamen. “It's been overwhelming. It's been heartwarming for sure.”

That money has been used to support a variety of programs covering everything from nutrition to school supplies for students in the Lambton area.

Seventy-five-thousand dollars has been donated to funds set up for the St. Clair Catholic board, the Lambton Kent public board and area French schools.

That money is dedicated simply “to help kids in need,” said Major-Daamen. “Could be medical supplies, it could be food, clothing, school supplies, anything that the kids need. Then they have immediate access, there's no red tape to go through.”

The school boards update the charity on how the money is being spent twice a year, she said.

Another $10,000 has gone towards supporting a Sarnia-Lambton nutritional program, and $7,500 has gone towards a similar fund in Chatham-Kent.

Noelle's Gift has supported the Huron House Boy's Home, St. Clair Child and Youth Services and the Inn of the Good Shepherd as well.

The organization also works with families on an individual basis and has given out hundreds of t-shirts, winter hats and mittens, said Major-Daamen.

In total, the group has raised $305,000 so far, she said, and the charity's work doesn't appear to be slowing down.

“We are just hoping to touch kids and families that maybe need a little bit of a boost.”

Major-Daamen thinks that Paquette would be pleased to know that her memory has inspired people to open their wallets and help children in her community.

“From what I know, from what I understand, she would be very happy to see that her name is helping to keep kids fed and warm,” said Major-Daamen.

Tanya Bogdanovich, 32, and Michael MacGregor, 20 were charged with first-degree murder after Paquette, 27, disappeared on Jan. 1, 2013. She went missing after a New Year's Eve party and was found a day later off of Mandaumin Rd.

It was recently announced that their case would head straight to trial.